Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

Today, the long-awaited MetroLink line, which will finally connect Dublin Airport to the city by rail, has been approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála, three years after planning permission was sought.The 18.8km rail line, expected to cost more than €10 billion, was first proposed a quarter of a century ago, and is anticipated to begin operations in the mid-2030s.Joining Kieran to discuss this is the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and also Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien.

Following her success at the World Athletics Championships, Kate O'Connor joins Kieran to discuss the achievement!

Ahead of the Presidential Election, should we revisit the idea of early and postal voting? Are the rules outdated?Joining Kieran to discuss is Evelyn Cormican, Business Owner and Galway Resident, and Ryan O’Meara, Fianna Fáil TD.

Life can be full of confusing things, but no need to worry! Every Wednesday, Simon Tierney will be showing you ‘How to do Stuff’ - bringing his best tips for those things you might not think about.This week, Simon joins Kieran to discuss how you can properly clap!

Key workers, including nurses, gardaí and teachers will be eligible to rent low-cost homes within the next three years, as part of Dublin City Council’s pilot regeneration scheme which will redevelop derelict buildings in Dublin's inner city.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Róisín Murphy, Conservationist and Architect and Olivia Kelly, Dublin Editor of The Irish Times.

After the first presidential debate on Monday night went off without fireworks, people are looking to the other debates to help them make up their mind. But, one place you won’t find one is on TG4, as they announced in September that they won’t be holding a debate as Gaeilge…This decision has been criticized with some saying that Irish speakers are being excluded. Independent Senator Eileen Flynn, who wrote to the station to reverse the decision, joins Kieran to discuss.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss the next generation of technology wearables, with Meta’s new smart glasses having a full colour display…Image: Meta

In 2018, after waiting for 36 hours on a trolley in University Hospital Limerick with stroke-like symptoms, Tommy Wynne was found unresponsive. Seven years on, his wife Marie McMahon says little has changed…She joins Kieran to discuss.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said today that he doesn’t want to see the Flotilla go any further, due to the danger that could come.It's as the boat is set to reach Gaza imminently.Comedian Tadhg Hickey is on it, and he joins Kieran to discuss what’s happening.Image: Reuters

Last month, while walking through Dublin city centre in the evening, Cat O’Driscoll, Social Democrat Councillor for Cabra-Glasnevin was recently the victim of a random assault by a passerby, who punched her in the face…She has said she doesn’t know if the motivation behind the incident was targeted at her because of her politics, or simply because she is a woman.She joins Kieran to discuss.

Do you miss the old phone box to ring your boyfriend or girlfriend? Do you think it's sad they are now assigned to history? Today, we are celebrating the humble phone kiosk!Henry McKean joins Kieran to discuss.

The government looks set to reduce the hospitality VAT rate from 13.5% down to 9% in the upcoming budget. But, is this a good idea, and does it make financial sense?Joining Kieran to discuss is Restauranteur, Anthony Gray and General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Owen Reidy.

Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.This week, Fionn joined Kieran to give his recommendations for three different Tuscan cities!

Following her cancer diagnosis earlier in the summer, Hazel Chu, Green Party Councillor, joins Kieran to discuss why it is important for women to advocate for themselves, especially if they feel something is not quite right…

Labour Party Leader Ivana Bacik joins Kieran to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Nicola Sturgeon has been one of the most recognisable names in British politics in the past decade. Holding Scottish politics’ highest seat through Brexit, a historic first Scottish independence vote and a global pandemic.Nicola Sturgeon, with her new memoir ‘Frankly’, joins Kieran in the studio to discuss!

Almost two decades on from the first movie, a release date of July 3rd 2027 has been set for the second Simpsons movie...This comes after Season 37 just ended, with the show renewed through season 40.So, what is it that makes the show endure so long?Olivia Fahy is the Editor of Geek Ireland, and joins Kieran to discuss.Image: 20th Century Studios

HIQA has published its latest report into University Hospital Limerick, where it has issued advice to the Government surrounding improved healthcare facilities for the region.To discuss this, Kieran is joined by one of the Spokespersons for the MidWest Hospital Campaign, Conor Reidy, and Mayor of Limerick, John Moran.

Ahead of the Presidential election, there have been calls in some areas for people to spoil their votes in protest…Is this action democratic or undemocratic?To explain and discuss this more, Kieran is joined by Businessman and Entrepreneur, Declan Ganley, and Independent Senator, Gerard Craughwell.

‘Towards a National Action Plan for HIV in Ireland’ is a conference that is taking place today and tomorrow in Dublin.So, how is HIV handled in Ireland currently? And what can we maybe learn from other countries?Joining guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is Rebecca Tallon de Havilland, who is a trans woman and HIV-positive advocate, Professor Jane Anderson, who is an AIDS Specialist and Consultant Physician at Homerton Hospital in Hackney and Stephen O’Hare, Executive Director of HIV Ireland.